Chapter Fifty-Seven

Valerie’s classes went by easily enough, most of the students already eager for winter break and just wanting school to be over with. Valerie took full advantage of it, enjoying the lack of discussion for a change.

Once class was over, she returned to her office to grab her purse and then headed to the cafeteria for a quick bite before her final class of the day. The temperature outside was muggy, typical Florida weather, even this close to Christmas. By the time she reached the cafeteria, a sheen of sweat had dotted her forehead and made her clothes feel as if they stuck to her body. With a sigh of relief, she eagerly stepped into the air conditioning, glad to be out of the sweltering heat.

After grabbing a grilled chicken salad and a bottle of water, she headed for a spot by the window. She might not like to be out in the heat, but that didn’t mean she didn’t enjoy looking at it. She wasn’t even thirty yet, and already, she felt as if she behaved like a senior citi